If the weather didn’t warn you (because at this point, what does ‘seasonal’ even mean, oh record rainfalls of our summer storms?) the volume of winter sports clubs announcing enrolment time should certainly have done it – it’s autumn already, dear readers, though this scribe hopes the recent purchase of a brazier will have me and mine sitting outdoors roasting marshmallows for a good while yet.
Feature:
The Green Spot: Culinary
Silverdale Business shout out: Milky Lane Gelato
Coastguard Hibiscus happenings
Local fiction: The Key by Ron Wynyard
Let’s talk protein
Taking a Hike: Goat Island coastal loop
The weights or cardio question
Harbour Hospice Art Affair fundraiser
KiwiSaver changes on the horizon
Silverdale Pioneer Village Easter
This month we’re thrilled to be welcoming some new writers to The Coastie Mag family. Local nutritionist and naturopath Emily Leilua, from Norisher, will be sharing her knowledge on women’s health with us, with this month’s article looking at the importance of protein. Personal trainer Jumper, from PE Club in Manly, gives us his take on the often-asked question, ‘Weights or cardio? We also have a new student feature writer on board, Lizzie Blanchard, with her first article coming soon in our April issue.
If you’re needing some motivation to head outdoors, or you just fancy a spot vicarious living, our Coastguard Hibiscus, Taking a Hike and Bucket List Travel writers are this month recalling their adventures with exploding devices, the Goat Island coastal loop and a holiday exploration of all Tasmania has to offer. Elsewhere, family fallouts are the theme of this month’s stunning piece of local fiction – don’t miss that one – and families far apart are centre place in our Best Books column’s non-fiction title, Being a Distant Grandchild. Our Found & Fancied feature profiles a few gourmet delights we found on the shelves of some local specialty stores and our recipes offer you options for both a healthy snack and an indulgent dessert.
Please, pop your feet up and enjoy.
Claire Nevans
A new chapter for The Kitchen People
We’ve moved to Silverdale
For 30 years, The Kitchen People have been a staple of the Stanmore Bay landscape, helping locals design and create the heart of their homes. We’ve seen design trends come and go, but our commitment to quality craftsmanship and community connection has remained constant. Today, we are incredibly proud to share our most significant milestone yet: the TKP team is moving to a new factory location at 11 David McCathie Place, Silverdale.
This isn’t just a change of address; it’s a massive leap forward for The Kitchen People. While we’ll always cherish our deep roots in Stanmore Bay, this bigger and better facility provides the space we need to grow and innovate. It ensures we can continue to deliver the high-standard, custom-made cabinetry our clients expect, utilising modern technology and a more streamlined production process to bring dream homes to life.
This transition comes at a perfect time of celebration. At the end of 2025, owners Mark and Leanne Gallagher marked three years of ownership — a period defined by rapid growth and creative excellence. Since taking the helm, they’ve led the charge in expanding the TKP footprint, most notably with the opening of our stunning Millwater Design Centre. This space has become a hub for inspiration, allowing locals to explore the latest in textures, finishes and smart storage solutions in a relaxed, friendly environment with our inhouse designers.
In addition to our continued growth, we are also proud to be a licensee for Mastercraft Kitchens, representing the Rodney East and Rodney West areas. This partnership allows us to combine the strength and reputation of a nationally recognised brand with the personalised service and craftsmanship our local clients value.
Over these past three years, we have been privileged to design and install hundreds of beautifully modern kitchens. However, our passion for cabinetry extends far beyond the kitchen island. Our team has been busy crafting sculleries, functional laundries and bespoke wine cellars and bars, each tailored to the unique lifestyles of our clients.
To our local community and loyal clients: thank you. You have been
the most important part of our journey, and your support has made this expansion possible.
We invite you to follow our progress and view our recent transformations at www.kitchenpeople.co.nz. Here’s to fresh starts, big dreams and many more years of building beautiful spaces together.
Design centre: 177 Millwater Parkway, Millwater
Factory: 11 David McCathie Place, Silverdale
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MANAGING EDITOR
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CONTACT US
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CONTRIBUTORS
Hayley Crawford
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IN THE LOOP
Supporting our shops
It’s a real shame to see a few local businesses shutting up their ‘bricks and mortar’ stores in recent times, including Hello Darling and Buckle & Bow in Millwater. While it can sometimes feel easier to slide online and click your purchases into a virtual basket for delivery to your doorstep, our local retail stores add so much to the fabric of our community and if we don’t use them, we risk continuing to lose them. They’re there for you when you need a birthday present at the 11th hour, a bright red tutu for dress-up tomorrow or a new top because you’ve realised you have absolutely nothing to wear out tonight. And nothing beats a coffee date with friends and a wander through a real store where you can touch, smell or try on before you buy. Times are tough, but when we do spend let’s choose where we shop wisely and get out there and support our local stores. See you in the checkout line.
Wahini
on Water
If you know any girls 11-19 years looking for a bit of adventure, check out the Wahini on Water programme being hosted locally by Sir Peter Blake MERC. Over the next couple of months the programme is holding a number of events, some in Orewa and some in Long Bay and Mairangi Bay, giving girls the opportunity to try various water sports, including paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing. For the dates and activities of specific events in the programme check out www.facebook.com/even ts/1168273752070322/1168273822070315/
Sports clubs on the Coast
We are so blessed to have a richly diverse sporting scene on the Coast with an incredible range of opportunities for people of all ages. Some of the organisations have been around for many years and are deeply imbedded in local history, while others are more recent additions, finding patronage and space within the development population surge of the last decade. All exist because of the hard mahi, passion and dedication of individuals within our community.
If you’re new to the area and wondering what sporting opportunities are on offer in our neck of the woods, here are just a small number of the local clubs you could get involved with: Orewa Surf Life Saving Club, Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Rodney District Sports, Hibiscus Coast AFC, HBC Raiders Rugby League, Hibiscus Coast Triathlon and Multisport Club, Orewa Tennis Club, Crave Athletics Cheerleading, Orewa Sharks Sportsclub, Silverdale United Rugby Club, NH Gymnastics HBC, Silverdale Squash Club, Manly Sailing Club, HBC Cricket Club. If you are a part of a club that isn’t mentioned here and you’d like to be mentioned in a future issue, please let us know.
FINALSELLDOWNOF COMPLETEDHOMES
It’s your last chance to own a completed, move-in ready townhouse or apartment, don’t miss out!
Visit our sales suite Wed-Sun 10am to 2pm Or call 0800 725 775 to arrange a private viewing
Women’s gym with a crèche and sauna?
Yes please
It’s always exciting when a new facility opens in the area that is unique and sure to add value to our community. We were especially pleased to hear about this one. In April, Silverdale will become home to something new on the Coast – a purpose-built women’s gym with an onsite crèche and sauna. We sat down with the founder of MOVE Women’s Gym, Emily Leilua, to learn more.
Emily – a mum of two – has been working in women’s health and fitness for over 13 years. ‘I began as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor,’ says Emily, ‘and over the past five years I’ve practised as a women’s health nutritionist and naturopath. My passion has always been to help women thrive – physically and mentally.’
‘After having my babies, I experienced firsthand how limited the support is for women transitioning from birth back into exercise. Many women are simply told they’re “cleared” at six weeks, or they are part of the 60% of women who experience abdominal separation or pelvic floor complications after birth. I was one of them.’
Emily spent months working with a pelvic floor physio, but struggled to find a gym
where she could bring her baby and safely rebuild her strength. At the same time, she was navigating her own postnatal mental health challenges – something one in five women experience. After hearing many women share the same challenges, the idea for MOVE was born.
MOVE is a purpose-built women’s gym designed specifically to help women’s bodies thrive at every age and stage — from young women building confidence, to mothers rebuilding postpartum and women focused on longevity and bone health.
The gym will offer a range of group classes, with a focus on functional fitness that translates into everyday life – lifting children, carrying groceries, moving confidently and protecting your future self. There will also be an onsite crèche and sauna to support the wellbeing of women.
When asked why the gym is women-only, Emily said, ‘Because women are not small men. They deserve female-specific support. Women navigate hormonal shifts, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, menopause and highstress seasons of life, yet gyms are often built around high-intensity, one-size-fits-all
exercise. After years of running an all-women’s bootcamp, I’ve seen how life-changing it is for women to be a part of a supportive female community.’
The gym will also offer a physio-approved postnatal program called Rebuild, designed to safely restore pelvic floor and core strength.
The onsite crèche, sure to be a popular feature, is located just metres from where mothers will be training or enjoying a sauna session. ‘As a mum, I understand how hard it can be to prioritise yourself,’ says Emily. ‘Our crèche allows mothers to prioritise their health, whether that be enjoying a sauna or a workout, knowing their children are safe nearby in an engaging environment filled with creative play and thoughtful supervision.’
MOVE Women’s Gym will be opening in April 2026. Founding memberships are limited and are already filling. You can join the waitlist at www.movewomen.co.nz and follow @movewomensgym on Instagram to stay up to date.
Emily and Eroni Leilua Founders of MOVE Women’s Gym
THE GREEN SPOT
Culinary kindness
One of the kindest, most practical things you could gift is a meal. The exchange of kai expresses a sense of community and support. Also, it is usually a very eco-friendly present, rather than flowers or landfill-destined items.
One way to reduce unnecessary packaging when gifting meals is to loan a dish or reuse a container, but another option is a cute vintage find from an op shop. For a few dollars at your local thrift store you could pick up a casserole dish that comes with its own story and sparks nostalgia. Or perhaps your nana’s old crockery is ready to be the next pay-it-forward item to envelop that lasagne you made for a family in need. Alternatively, it doesn’t need to look endearing – some sensible Tupperware or glassware could be given a new home to extend its life.
Another way to gift the kindness of a night
off from cooking is to use a meal delivery service such as ‘Jess’s Underground Kitchen’ who have taken care to make the process as sustainable as possible. Their nutritious food is in trays made from 80% recycled plastic and the tray, sleeves and boxing around them are all 100% recyclable. The reusable ice packs contain drain-safe, chemical free, compostable gel, that could even be used in your garden to help the soil retain moisture, while the plastic pouch can go into soft plastics recycling once it has been cleaned and dried. The insulation is 100% wool, which naturally composts in your green bin or garden, with the liner also intended for the soft plastics recycling, such as at Woolworths. Check out www.juk.co.nz to see their delicious options including plant based and halal-certified cuisine.
For the ultimate goodwill, consider charities such as www. sharethemeal.org where you can provide nourishment where it’s needed most. This reputable organisation works with the United Nations World Food Programme and addresses areas where hunger is catastrophic. You could fund a one-off hot meal for a starving family in Palestine or ongoing food baskets for displaced children in Somalia. This is also a wonderful, waste-free gift idea for the friend who has everything, when you purchase it on their behalf.
Hayley Crawford @trashtalkingmama
$99* Check-Up for all patients at Lumino Como Street with Dr. John Wright
Dental exam
X-rays (if required)
No hidden costs
Smiling should never be dull.
Whether it’s been six months or six years, you’re welcome here. We’re part of the Takapuna community, and we look after your smile like whānau.
Located on Level 2, BDO Tower, 19 Como Street, with easy parking and friendly faces. Book online anytime or call us during clinic hours.
Your smile matters let’s take care of it. Book your appointment today.
Bowel habits change with the seasons
When is it normal and when is it not?
Have you ever noticed your bowel habits change with the seasons? What’s normal for summer might not be the same in winter, and sometimes these changes are worth paying attention to.
Seasonal shifts in bowel habits, influenced by diet, travel, activity levels and stress are common and often nothing of concern. However, sudden or ongoing symptoms that don’t improve with usual habits may point to something more serious, making awareness of early action important.
A colonoscopy is a safe and effective procedure that allows us to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It can help identify issues such as inflammation, polyps or early signs of bowel cancer. A colonoscopy can offer reassurance and peace of mind when symptoms persist.
When should I have a colonoscopy?
Persistent constipation or diarrhoea,
unexplained abdominal pain, blood in the stool, sudden changes in your usual bowel habits or unexplained weight loss can be early signs of bowel cancer. In New Zealand, the incidence of bowel cancer is one of the highest in the world, and early detection often leads to better outcomes, highlighting the importance of understanding these symptoms.
At Waitemata Endoscopy, we aim to make taking a proactive approach to your gut health easy. We accept GP, specialist and self-referrals via our website. Our experienced specialists are able to perform most standard colonoscopy and gastroscopy procedures within 7 working days of receiving the referral.
Take a virtual tour of the patient journey and our clinic for an insight of what to expect at: www.waitemataendoscopy. co.nz/locations
Dr Anthony Brownson Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist Waitemata Endoscopy
Waitemata
Dr Anthony Brownson Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist
Closed from 26th Feb & will re-open on 14th March! Closed from 26th Feb & will re-open on 14th March!
At the Silverdale Business Association, we are constantly inspired by the grit and creativity of our local entrepreneurs. This month, we are thrilled to feature a business that is bringing more than just world-class treats to our neighbourhood; it is bringing a story of incredible resilience, heart and the pursuit of joy.
Meet the 23-year-old visionary behind our newest local gelato destination. Her journey began in South Africa before she moved to New Zealand at a young age, carrying with her a quiet determination to open doors to extraordinary places through hard work and discipline. This ambition initially led her to the world of academia. After earning all As in school, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Auckland, driven by a deep-seated desire to understand human healing and the mind.
Her academic success didn’t stop there. She earned a place in the highly competitive Master of Health Psychology program –becoming the youngest student in a cohort of only 16 – and conducted meaningful research into the quality of life for children with inflammatory bowel disease. While her work was impactful and selfless, she realised that carrying the emotional weight of others’ suffering was taking a toll on her compassionate nature.
With immense courage, she decided to
pivot toward a dream she had always tucked away for ‘later’: gelato. Having spent years working and saving since the age of 16, she traded her clinical research for the craft of premium desserts. Today, she works seven days a week at her successful store, serving the community 30 carefully crafted flavours alongside fresh waffles, milkshakes, sundaes and spider floats. Her store has quickly become a local hub for connection and everyday sweetness.
Beyond the storefront, this young entrepreneur’s discipline has led to remarkable personal milestones, including purchasing her first home and preparing for her wedding. Her message to our Silverdale community is simple: the possibilities of life are limitless if you stay disciplined and believe in your dreams.
We encourage you to support this local gem. When you stop in for a scoop, you aren’t just enjoying premium gelato, you are supporting the hard-earned dream of a neighbour who chose the path of joy. Let’s keep our local economy vibrant – go down and say hello, and taste the passion behind every flavour!
Vanessa Li | Marketing Specialist Silverdale Business
COOKING QUESTIONS
Your own personal chef with Mark Lane
I have been cooking professionally for 39 years. My business, Culinary Lane Catering, is based in Millwater, providing three and five course dinners in your home, out-catering and grazing tables. Gain the benefit of my experience by emailing me your cooking questions.
Suzanne: Do you have any tips for making choux pastry? Mine sometimes collapses and sometimes smells eggy. Thanks
Great question. It looks so easy, only four main ingredients and one of them is water, but it’s very technical to make it well.
Common issues are not rising (or collapsing), doughy, not crisp on the outside, eggy flavour, cracks on top or too dry and crumbly. These issues can be from the mix being too wet, not cooked enough, too much egg or water, removed from the oven too early, wrong oven temperature, not piped smoothly, too much flour, wrong type of flour, etc, etc. You get the picture!
Start with cold water, salt, sugar and small-diced room-temperature unsalted butter, on a medium heat, bring to the boil, as soon as it boils, remove from the stove. Add the sifted all-purpose flour and mix very well with a wooden spoon. Place back on the heat and mix continuously with the wooden spoon until the dough leaves the side of the pan and a film is left on the bottom. This takes 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool to at least 70°C. Pre-whisk the eggs and add in 4-5 lots, stirring vigorously each time. The dough should be glossy, thick and hold its shape. With a piping bag, pipe the dough in a smooth motion to your desired shape on a flat tray with no sides on greased baking paper. Pre heat fan-bake at 190°C and cook on the middle shelf for 35-45 minutes. Don’t open the door until fully formed (around 25 minutes), then make a small hole on the side to allow steam to evaporate and bake for about another 10 min
utes, until crisp on the outside. Cool on a rack and fill and finish straight away. (See recipe p44)
David: I had some really thick eye fillet steaks that I cooked on the BBQ and by the time I got the kids’ ones on the medium side of medium rare the outside had gone a bit dry. Any tips for keeping the outside juicy when cooking for a bit longer.
I like a thick steak as well. Use a good amount of high-quality oil and cover the entire steak then season well. I like virgin olive oil but totally up to you. On a hot preheated barbeque, cook each steak the same amount of time on each side. This includes the sides of the steak to allow an even cooking. If you cook more on one side than another, it will dry out. I like to grill with the lid open for a slower, gentler cook. Only turn or touch the steak when it is ready to turn. Do a half turn each side to achieve the nice grill marks. If you want the steak to be medium rare, remove it from the heat when it is slightly undercooked and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes that will allow the meat to relax, soften and finish cooking in its own heat. Look for a good quality, well-aged eye fillet with some marbling for the best results.
February was full of activity for our Coastguard Hibiscus crew, both on and off the water. With Valentine’s Day arriving in the middle of a busy period, I took the chance to surprise our volunteers with a sweet treat – cupcakes from New World Ōrewa. It was a little Valentine’s Day delight for the crew before heading out on the water – a small gesture to recognise the huge amount of time, energy and heart they give to our community every week.
Supporting SailGP from the sidelines
The excitement of SailGP brought plenty of recreational vessels to the Waitematā Harbour. While our Coastguard Hibiscus crew weren’t involved in an official capacity for the event, we did have volunteers out on the water offering support to boaties gathered around the exclusion zone.
Like many in Aotearoa, we felt for the Kiwi sailors following the dramatic incidents across the race weekend, and we’re extremely grateful the teams were unharmed. Moments like this are a reminder of how quickly conditions can change on the water.
Your support keeps us afloat
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who purchased Coastguard lottery tickets this season. Your support directly helps keep our rescue vessels operational and allows our volunteers to maintain the high level of ongoing and essential training required to ensure we’re always prepared when someone needs help.
Controlled explosion at Okoromai Bay
You may have seen recent news coverage relating to a controlled explosion at Okoromai Bay. Our crew were initially tasked with collecting what was believed to be a standard marine item after a boatie retrieved it from the water. Once onboard, and with assistance from our Operations Centre, it became clear the item was a marine locator marker – something that must be treated with caution.
NZDF and Police were immediately notified, and our volunteers were transferred to our secondary vessel as a precaution. A cordon was set up around the beach, and the Defence Force ordnance disposal team
safely detonated the device.
This serves as an important reminder: if you spot something unusual or concerning on the water, do not handle it. Report it and let the experts take over.
Thank you again to our community for your continued support and kindness. Whether it’s buying a lottery ticket, sharing a treat or keeping an eye out while you’re on the water, every contribution helps us keep our coastline safe.
Rachel Hessey | Skipper Coastguard Hibiscus
www.coastguardhibiscus.org.nz
THE FICTION SPOT
The Key Flash fiction by Ron Wynyard
the end of Linden Street. Jasmine clung to the porch rails; the shutters sagged halfway closed, as if the house couldn’t decide whether to hide or watch.
She hadn’t been here in fifteen years, not since she’d closed the front door and driven away while the shouting still echoed behind her.
The letter had arrived last week. No signature, only his looping hand: ‘If you want another chance, bring the key.’
Her father had always said strange things. ‘Every key opens two doors, Ellie. One forward, one back.’ She used to think he was being poetic. Now she knew better.
The air thickened around her, heavy with smoke and memory. Somewhere deep inside, time stirred.
Lock it forever, and everything… his voice, her mother’s weeping, the splinter of that last slammed door, would stay sealed.
Or unlock it, and maybe she’d step into that night again. The night she left. The night her mother stayed.
She could still see it: his hand gripping the bottle, her mother’s long sleeves and glasses she wore to hide the bruises, the sound of something breaking that wasn’t just glass.
The key waited in her palm, small and ordinary, brass dulled by years. Yet its weight felt deliberate, as if it remembered what she’d tried to forget.
Eleanor stood before the blue house at
But sometimes, before the first drink, he’d smile and hum while tinkering with this or that. She’d sit on the steps and watch his broad, careful hands as he worked on his car in the driveway, and for a few moments
he’d be kind.
That was the tune she heard now, soft and impossibly near. The same melody that once made her believe he could be good again.
Her throat tightened. ‘Dad?’
The sound stilled. The house held its breath.
The key pulsed warm in her fingers. She could feel time tugging behind the lock, forgiving and inviting, promising she could rewrite what once was. Maybe this was her chance to rewrite it, to walk back in and change history for the better. Become the better family they had never been.
She lifted the key. The brass trembled, waiting.
Then she saw the porch floor, where her mother’s blood had pooled and dripped, vanishing between the boards. The wind carried a faint trace of whiskey.
Eleanor closed her eyes and crouched before the door, her forehead resting against the wood.
The air loosened. The hum faded. When she looked down, the key lay on the doorstep, its warmth replaced by something lighter, like clean air entering her lungs.
Behind her, the blue house stood still and sealed. The lock gleamed faintly, final.
Eleanor stepped off the porch. The wood creaked, a soft exhale. She didn’t look back.
For the second time, and at last, she was free.
Hibiscus Coast Writers
For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Membership Secretary, Paula at paulajkora@hotmail.com
Let’s talk protein
Protein is one of the most overlooked nutrients, especially for busy mums.
Whether you’re postpartum, breastfeeding, juggling work and kids, or simply trying to feel like yourself again, protein plays a powerful role in stabilising energy, supporting hormones and reducing persistent sugar and caffeine cravings.
After having a baby, your body is in recovery mode. You’re rebuilding tissues, replenishing nutrient stores and possibly producing breast milk — all while running on broken sleep. Protein becomes essential during this phase. It supports muscle repair, balances blood sugar, helps regulate appetite hormones and provides the building blocks for mood-supporting neurotransmitters.
One of the biggest reasons women struggle
protein. If you prefer sweet breakfasts, try one of these simple recipes:
High-protein chia pudding (prep the night before)
• 1 cup Greek yoghurt
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1 Tbsp chopped nuts
• Handful of berries
with cravings and low energy is under-eating protein, especially at break fast. When we start the day with a piece of toast or just a coffee, blood sugar spikes and crashes quickly follow. The result? Midmorning hunger, afternoon sugar cravings, irritability and energy dips.
As a simple starting point, aim for at least 20–25g of protein at breakfast. This one shift can dramatically improve satiety, focus and appetite regulation for the rest of the day.
Here are some realistic, easy ways to hit that target.
If you prefer savoury breakfasts, try 3 eggs on sourdough with sautéed spinach and mushroom. This will give you around 21g of
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This provides 22-23g of protein, and if you add a scoop of protein powder, you’ll easily hit 30g plus.
Blend & go protein smoothie (my favourite for busy mornings)
• 1 serve protein powder (20–25g)
• 1 tbsp Greek yoghurt
• 1 tsp nut butter
• ¼ cup berries
• ¼ cup milk + water and ice
This provides 23-30g protein.
In clinical practice, I often see women trying their best to ‘eat healthy’ yet unknowingly under-eating protein in the mornings or not eating anything at all. Increasing protein at breakfast is one of the simplest changes I make with women — and it consistently creates some of the biggest shifts in overall energy, cravings, and body composition. When women are properly nourished, the day simply feels easier.
Emily Leilua
Clinical Nutritionist & Women’s Health Naturopath
www.nourisher.co.nz
When reducing insurance cover makes sense
In today’s challenging economic environment, many households are reviewing their expenses, and insurance premiums are often under the microscope. For some people, reducing cover can be a sensible and necessary step.
However, there are certain moments in life when financial risk increases, even while budgets are under pressure. Events such as buying a home, increasing a mortgage, or welcoming a child can significantly increase the financial impact on those left behind if something were to go wrong.
What is often overlooked by policy owners is that these same life events may also provide an opportunity to increase insurance cover, helping to maintain an appropriate level of protection for you and your family.
Two valuable policy features that can matter most at key life stages
Special Events Increase Benefit: Lump-sum Life insurance policies include a Special Events Increase Benefit. This allows you to increase your life cover (within specified limits) following particular life events, including (but not limited to):
• buying or upgrading a home
• taking out or increasing a mortgage
• marriage or civil union
• birth or adoption of a child
These increases are available without
medical underwriting, even if your health has changed since the policy began — provided no claim has been made on the policy. Importantly, these options are typically only available for a limited period after the qualifying event. If missed, you may lose the opportunity permanently.
Future Insurability Option: Another powerful, but often overlooked, feature is the Future Insurability Option. This optional benefit allows you to periodically increase your life cover at predetermined times, again within defined limits and without evidence of health.
In addition, monthly disability covers — such as mortgage protection, income protection, and household expenses — often include options to increase the sum insured if income, mortgage debt, interest rates or household expenses rise over time.
The key takeaway
In a tight economy, reducing insurance costs
can be entirely appropriate. But when major life events increase financial obligations, it’s important to understand whether your existing policies offer time-limited options to maintain appropriate protection — particularly if your health has changed.
That’s where experienced advice can make a meaningful difference. It’s what we do.
Theo Simeonidis UProtectNZ Insurance Services
Theo is a Financial Adviser, living and working in Millwater on the Hibiscus Coast, and specialising in personal and business insurances. Theo can be contacted on 027 248 9320 or email theo@uprotectnz.com. Any assistance is provided on a free, no-obligation basis. A public disclosure statement is available on the www.uprotectnz.com website.
TAKING A HIKE
Goat Island coastal loop
Sitting at my desk editing recently, staring out at a sky that looked more like winter than summer, I decided I needed some nature, exercise and fresh air. The forecast for the next day was bleak, so if I wanted to get outdoors, it had to be that evening. I sent a few messages to see who else was keen, and before long a couple of friends put their hands up.
We met in Orewa around 4.30pm and as we pulled up the heavens opened and it bucketed down. We had a quick chat about whether we should pull the pin or just go for it. The other options were hike in the rain or hope it cleared on the drive north. None of us were overly confident of a dry night, but no one wanted to be the one to call it off either, so we off we went.
We had decided on the coastal loop near Goat Island, listed on All Trails – my go to for finding new tracks – so the drive was about an hour north. Unbelievably, as we pulled into Leigh the rain eased and by the time we parked there was not a rain drop to be seen. The sky was still moody and grey, with a decent breeze pushing through, but the worst of it had passed. It felt like we’d been given a little window, just for us.
We parked up and headed along the track, climbing gently before the path opened out to those classic eastcoast views. The marine reserve below was a swirl of blues and greens, the ocean looking pretty lively as it geared up for the incoming storm.
The track wound through pockets of bush, across stretches of farmland and along the clifftops where the breeze was just perfect, as despite the earlier rain it was hot and muggy. It’s roughly a 5km loop, finishing with a section along the road — not something I’d be keen on during a busy day, but on a quiet evening it was fine.
By the time we wandered back to the car, we’d had a decent stretch out and had worked up quite an appetite.
On the way home we stopped at Matakana Kitchen for a debrief and a delicious dinner, all of us happy we hadn’t pulled the pin. If we had, we would’ve missed this magic little adventure. Sometimes you just have to have faith, say yes and hope for the best!
Carmen Bird | Carmen Bird Photography
www.carmenbirdphotography.co.nz 021 310320
For framed landscape prints PRINT SHOP | All Carmen Bird Photography
Co-own buying with friends and family MORTGAGE MATTERS
Co-owning is when friends or family members financially team up to purchase and own proper ty. Co-owning is become especially popular with friends who want to stop renting, siblings, couples who want to co-buy and parents teaming up with adult children.
Two main types of co-ownership
Joint tenancies and tenancies in common are the two main types of co-ownership.
With joint tenancies, each co-owner has an equal undivided share in the entire property. This option is often used when the two parties are a couple. With tenancies in common each co-owner has a separate, defined share in the property. This option is almost always preferred for unrelated co-owners, particularly where contributions are unequal and co-ownership is temporary, or investment based.
A key difference is that, upon a co-owner passing away, a joint tenancy interest will automatically go to the surviving owner, but a tenancy in common share will become part of the deceased’s estate and be distributed in accordance with their will.
• exit plans – what happens if someone wants to sell or buy the others out
Benefits and issues to co-ownership
Co-ownership has the distinct benefit of sharing deposit and mortgage payments, making it easier to get on the property ladder sooner or to afford a home that would otherwise be unattainable. However, there are some significant risks and challenges with co-ownership, including the following.
• Not all lenders offer home loans for shared ownership because there are more risks involved.
• If one party defaults on their share of the mortgage repayments, the other party may become liable to cover the shortfall.
• There may also be issues if the individual wishes to sell the home before having paid out the third-party entity. If the entity’s name remains on the title, it must give consent to a proposed sale which may not be in its interests.
• Disputes may arise over use, improvements or sale of the property.
What you need to know before you sign anything
Before you sign anything, you need to consider:
• the ownership structure – joint tenants or tenants in common
• future borrowing – a co-own mortgage sits on each person’s credit file and can affect personal lending later
• independent legal advice – recommended before committing to a co-own arrangement due to potential risks
• having a co-ownership agreement that outlines contributions, obligations and what happens if things go wrong
If you’ve got a trusted friend or family member in the same position, it could be the perfect time to get on the property ladder together. We recommend you seek expert help from an experienced Mortgage Adviser to discuss your options.
Let’s chat! Contact Wayne Henry on 021 423 818 or email wayne@ waynehenry.co.nz.
Wayne Henry | Wayne Henry Mortgages
Wayne & Karen Henry are Millwater locals. Wayne is a Financial Adviser specialising in mortgages and Karen supports him with all admin related work. Wayne’s Disclosure Statement is available free of charge on request or can be downloaded via website https://www.waynehenry.co.nz/ wayne-henry-mortgage-adviser/
PROPERTY CHAT
with Jason Croft
A measured start to the new year
With lots of people still on holiday during January you would expect the housing market activity to be a little softer, while the sale numbers were lower the time to sell and median sale prices were steady showing those that were out looking were decisive. This continues the trends we have been seeing for a while now and aligns with the commentary from market advisors who predict that the market is expected to continue to progress gradually. I’ve included a graph below showing the sale price change compared to the same month last year, which I think gives a good view of this information.
Figures provided by realestate.co.nz also show the Rodney market has started the year at a measured pace with new listings in the district increased 1.6% year-on-year in January, pointing to a cautiously confident vendor market following the holiday period. This was also in line with the national and regional picture, with new listings across New Zealand and in Auckland both increasing by 1.3% and 3.4%, respectively. At the same time, prices in Rodney dipped modestly. The average asking price fell 2.5% year-on-year to $1,273,033 in January. Again, this mirrors the wider Auckland region, which was down by 3.2% year-on-year.
Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, says the data points to a market finding its footing as more homes come to market.
‘January’s figures suggest a careful start to the year for Rodney, with more homeowners listing while prices adjust to current conditions. With listing activity lifting locally and across Auckland, buyers are likely to see more choice as the market builds momentum into the early months of the year.’
Unlocking extra borrowing capacity
Joe Hurn from Loan Market says one of the biggest misconceptions buyers and investors have is that ‘a bank is a bank’ when it comes to lending. In reality, every bank has a different policy, different risk appetites and different ways of calculating income and those differences can materially change how much you can borrow. A great recent example is how one of the major banks has updated the way it assesses overtime, now taking a more practical and realistic view of consistent additional hours rather than discounting them heavily or ignoring them altogether. For some borrowers, that single policy change has unlocked meaningful extra borrowing capacity. It’s a timely reminder that if you’re trying to work out what’s possible, looking beyond just one bank can make a real difference — especially when policies are constantly evolving behind the scenes.
I hope you find the information in this article useful and if I can help with your property needs in any way please give me a call.
$1,060,000 Jan 57 49 $1,110,000 $905,000 $965,000 $1,135,000 Jan
Sale Price
Weights or cardio?
It’s probably the most common question I get asked at PE Club.
The honest answer? Ideally, both, but realistically, what you can.
Cardio is brilliant for your heart, lungs and mental health. A large review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that higher levels of physical activity significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and early death – even if you sit a lot during the day. That’s good news for desk workers.
Living on the Hibiscus Coast gives us a huge advantage. We have coastal walkways, beaches, hills and that gorgeous sea air most people drive hours for. A brisk 30-minute walk along one of our many beaches (Manly is my favourite) absolutely counts. You do not have to kill yourself with high intensity cardio for it to be effective.
But here’s where many adults, especially those over 35, miss a trick: strength training.
A 2022 systematic review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that muscle-strengthening activities were associated with a 10 to 17% lower risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Strength training isn’t just about having sexy muscles; it supports metabolism, bone density and long-term independence.
If you had to choose?
Do the one you’ll actually stick to. Consistency will always beat out any ‘special’ workout plan. If your lifestyle allows three short gym sessions per week, fantastic. If it’s early morning beach
walks with the dog before the kids wake up, that’s brilliant too.
The secret to success here isn’t being dogmatic. It’s being pragmatic. It’s building a routine that fits your real day-to-day life: work, family, stress and all
On the Coast, we’re lucky. We can lift weights indoors (and you don’t even need a gym membership – a pair of dumbbells will do), and then cool off with a walk by the water – give or take this summer humidity of late!
That’s not weights versus cardio. That’s lifestyle fitness.
If it’s been a while since your last workout and you feel motivated to get stuck back in, awesome! Just don’t overdo it, so you can keep showing up for yourself. That said, the day after leg day always sucks. If you’re looking for a personal trainer to help guide you, please get in touch.
Jumper | PE Club www.peclub.co.nz
Art Affair
Creativity, compassion and community
Harbour Hospice’s new annual fundraiser, Art Affair, is returning in March, with a fantastic line-up of artists. The charity introduced Art Affair in 2025, opening its Warkworth site, Tui House, to the community and transforming it into an elegant art gallery.
Among this year’s line-up of 15 talented artists is Laura Tait from Puhoi Farmhouse, who creates stunning floral artworks by photographing the flowers she grows in her garden, and interior designer, Shanly Simpson.
Laura’s work is inspired by Dutch Masters floral paintings, and she’s passionate about showcasing flowers in their natural authenticity, without digital or AI manipulation. Building each arrangement takes several hours before photography begins.
People often assume Laura is an experienced gardener, but she only took it up five years ago. ‘I started with a couple of flowerbeds, now our entire property is made up of picking gardens.’ She says it’s been a steep learning curve and she’s grateful for the support of generous friends and neighbours who’ve shared cuttings, bulbs and advice.
Shanly is best-known for working more than a decade with international interior designer, Faye Resnick. She has created spaces for lots of famous clients including Paris and Nicky and only began pursuing art more recently, out of a frustration with her interior design work.
‘Whenever I spoke with new clients, most
wanted art for the walls. I hit a real roadblock because I couldn’t find art that blended in with its environment,’ she says.
One day Shanly came home from work exhausted after another long day’s search. ‘I poured myself a vodka, pulled an old canvas off the wall and grabbed some of my paint samples... The client loved it, so my art has gone full on and it’s made my interior design job easier.’
Both Shanly and Laura happily agreed to exhibiting in Art Affair. Laura says, ‘Hospice
plays a vital role in people’s lives at the most difficult time.’
Art affair will be held at Tui House, 47 Morrison Drive, Warkworth and is open to the public on Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 March from 10am to 4pm, with tea and scones available for purchase on Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
For more information, head to www.harbourhospice.org.nz/event/ art-affair/.
Kids don’t always know how to explain vision problems, or even realise that what they’re seeing isn’t normal. Squinting, rubbing eyes, sitting too close to screens, avoiding reading or struggling at school can all be warning signs. Vision can change quickly during school years, so keeping up with regular eye exams is essential.
The role of lifestyle
Myopia (short-sightedness) is on the rise, often linked to lots of screen time and limited outdoor play. Encouraging kids to spend time outside not only helps their overall health but supports healthy eye development. Balanced screen habits, regular breaks and outdoor fun are all part of keeping young eyes healthy.
Clear vision, active kids
When it comes to vision correction, there are plenty of stylish and practical options. Glasses can be fun, durable and perfect for everyday wear, while contact lenses (including myopia-control or overnight Ortho-K lenses) offer freedom for sports, swimming and busy days on the go. The right solution helps kids see clearly, feel confident, and stay comfortable no matter what activities they’re into.
Early checks make a difference
Regular eye exams are a chance to ask questions, learn about healthy habits, and catch issues before they impact learning or play.
can make a huge difference. Clear vision supports learning, confidence and participation in school, sports and everyday adventures.
Tip: Encourage at least an hour of outdoor play daily and schedule regular eye checks – it’s an investment in your child’s future. Come and see the team at Orewa Optics for your regular check-up, and to see our extensive and stylish range of eye wear.
Orewa Optics are here Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm, and enjoy extended hours until 7:00pm on Tuesdays. Call us today 09 426 6646 or book online at www.orewaoptics.co.nz.
A different approach to achieve your goals
Stepping into a New Year often inspires us to start something new or change a habit. But the results of a 2024 Forbes Health survey reveal that an ongoing commitment to New Year’s resolutions lasts two to four months.
Why do we fail to achieve goals we’ve set for ourselves?
When we approach setting goals as a to-do list, we miss a vital component of what is required for change: knowing how we want to be. Asking ourselves, ‘What will it be like to achieve this goal?’ connects the brain with our feelings, which influences our actions and behaviours.
Research shows the three most popular New Year goals relate to health: exercising more, eating healthily and losing weight. To successfully achieve these goals requires addressing habits and replacing them with different ways of thinking. What if we reframed ‘doing the goal’ with ‘being the goal?’ Wanting more physical exercise can be achieved by building the habit muscle of disciplined routines. Healthy eating requires thinking differently about nutrition. Wanting to lose weight involves more than diet plans. Shedding the weight of negative thoughts and beliefs we have about ourselves is often the first step to achieving healthier bodies.
to be a healthier version of ourselves and to show up in life the way we want to. As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits says, ‘Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become.’
‘Visioning your future life’ is an exercise I give my clients. Some questions asked are. ‘How will I feel when living my best self becomes a reality?’ and ‘What changes have I made to achieve this?’
sometimes it takes a few days of realigning my thoughts to give more attention to my ‘being’. But I will always surround myself with people who help me to be a healthier version of myself. This is key to achieving personal growth.
What negative thoughts about yourself need to change for you to be living the life you want?
Setting goals and intentions encourages us
When we focus on who we want to be rather than what we want to achieve, a daily plan of action takes on a new meaning for gaining success.
I am constantly reminded of this, and
A life choice made today can create a positive ripple effect tomorrow.
KiwiSaver changes on the horizon
The Government has confirmed a series of KiwiSaver changes that will roll out over the next few years, affecting contribution rates, eligibility and government support.
From 1 April 2026, the default KiwiSaver contribution rate will increase from 3% to 3.5% for both employees and employers. This means a slightly higher deduction from wages, matched by a higher employer contribution.
For those concerned about affordability, a temporary rate reduction option will be available from 1 February 2026. Members will be able to apply to continue contributing at 3% for a period of between three and 12 months, and applications can be made more than once. This provides flexibility for households managing tight budgets or prioritising other financial commitments, but note that employers may choose to match any temporary reduction.
Another notable change is for younger workers. From 1 April 2026, 16 and 17-year-olds who contribute from their wages will qualify for employer KiwiSaver contributions, provided they meet eligibility requirements. This is a significant shift, as employers are currently only required to contribute for employees aged 18 to 65.
Government contributions has been halved to 25 cents for each dollar a member contributes yearly, up to a maximum of $260.72 from July 2025. Additionally, individuals earning over $180,000 in taxable income will no longer be eligible for such contribution.
Looking further ahead, the default KiwiSaver contribution rate will rise again to 4% for both employees and employers from 1 April 2028, continuing the gradual increase in contribution settings. While this will mean a slightly higher deduction from wages, it is matched by increased employer contributions, helping members build their balances more efficiently over time. These staged increases are designed to gradually strengthen long-term retirement outcomes, as well as first home buying savings, allowing members to take greater advantage of compound growth.
In light of these changes, it is important to review your KiwiSaver contribution rate and provider to ensure they align with your broader financial goals.
Do you need legal support? You can contact Martin & Parker Law at office@mplaw.co.nz or give us a call on 09 421 0559.
Morgan Sharp | Senior Solicitor Martin & Parker Law
Note: This article is published for general information purposes and should not be relied upon as legal or financial advice. For advice specific to your legal issues, please engage a lawyer directly.
THE BEAUTY BRIEF
This one’s for the boys
Male grooming is not a luxury
Male grooming has officially moved well beyond the ‘two-in-one shampoo’ era. These days facials, massages, manicures, pedicures and even waxing are less about vanity and more about something refreshingly sensible: taking care of yourself. If you’ll service the car regularly, it makes sense to also service the body you’re driving around in.
Skincare: because soap alone isn’t a routine
Men’s skin is typically thicker, produces more oil and is often irritated from frequent shaving. Add sun exposure, daily stress and general life build up, and skin can quickly become congested or sensitive.
A professional facial isn’t about pampering. It’s about deep cleansing, hydration and prevention. Think of it as a reset button for your skin… without the awkward home attempt involving a face mask and a startled family member.
Hands and feet do the hard work
Hands and feet are often the most overlooked part of self-care, yet they work overtime every single day.
Manicures keep nails clean, reduce hangnails and help prevent infections all while making your hands look more polished (in the professional sense). Pedicures are equally practical. Cracked heels, calluses, ingrown nails and foot discomfort can affect anyone. Healthy feet improve comfort, posture and mobility – and your socks can only cover so much.
Massage: the MVP of relaxation
Many men carry tension like it’s part of their job description, with tight shoulders, sore backs and constant fatigue. Massage improves circulation, reduces stress, supports muscle recovery and helps with sleep. It’s not indulgent. It’s maintenance… just with calming music.
Waxing? Yes, we’re going there
Waxing is increasingly popular for comfort, sport, hygiene or
personal preference. It’s longer-lasting than shaving, reduces irritation, and for many, it simply feels cleaner. Also, back hair doesn’t have to be a lifelong commitment.
The bottom line
Grooming isn’t about being ‘high maintenance’. It’s about good hygiene, healthy skin, physical comfort and feeling confident.
So lads, consider this your official reminder: self-care isn’t a gendered thing, it’s a human thing – and you don’t need an excuse to look after yourself.
Kerry Venter | Health & Skincare Therapist
Mint Skin & Body Therapy
www.mintskinbody.co.nz 020 4126 2064
Bobby S Barfoot & Thompson Millwater
Known Locally. Trusted Personally. Your Local Guide. On Your Side.
021 0512 769 b.sundarajan@barfoot.co.nz
Flooring design and colour trends for 2026
What’s inspiring Auckland homes
In 2026, flooring is no longer just a functional foundation underfoot, it’s a central design element that shapes the mood, flow and personality of a home. Interior designers and homeowners are embracing materials, colours and patterns that feel warmer, more grounded and more expressive than ever before, reflecting a broader shift toward comfort, authenticity and long-lasting style.
Warm, natural colours set the tone
After years dominated by cool greys and stark minimalism, natural wood hues like honey oak, caramel and chestnut are now leading the way, creating spaces that feel cosy, inviting and timeless, perfect for Auckland’s sunny open-plan living spaces and character homes.
Soft whites and gentle greys are still around, but with a warmer undertone. Earth-inspired tones, from sage green floors to terracotta and burgundy accents, are also rising in popularity, bringing nature’s palette indoors and fostering serene atmospheres.
Patterns and texture – big on personality
Designers are pairing timeless layouts such as herringbone and chevron with modern neutrals to add architectural rhythm and sophistication.
Statement floors are also making a comeback. Checkerboard patterns, long a classic favourite, are being reinterpreted with richer hues that include jewel tones and earthy contrasts that add character without feeling dated or kitschy.
Texture is equally important. Wire-brushed finishes, embossed wood grains and matte surfaces are all trending, giving a tactile quality ideal for Auckland lifestyles, from barefoot beach days to busy family living. Matte and satin finishes also conceal dust, pet hair and everyday wear far better than high-gloss alternatives.
Materials that balance style with real-life needs
This year Auckland homeowners are choosing flooring that delivers both design impact and everyday durability. Laminate flooring continues to grow in popularity thanks to its scratch resistance, realistic timber-look finishes and affordability, while engineered timber remains a premium favourite, combining the
beauty of real wood with improved stability suited to New Zealand’s changing temperatures and humidity levels. Wider planks and matte finishes are particularly on trend, creating a seamless, contemporary look.
Large-format tiles are also gaining momentum, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and indoor-outdoor zones. Their expansive size reduces grout lines, creating a clean, modern aesthetic that’s easy to maintain, ideal for homes that embrace Auckland’s coastal lifestyle.
Floor as a foundation for the home
Ultimately, 2026 flooring design is about materials and colours that feel authentic and timeless yet have enough personality to define a space without overpowering it. Whether you’re renovating or building new, the floor you choose in 2026 will do more than support furniture, it will set the tone for life lived beautifully beneath your feet.
Rena Nicholson | Midway Flooring
www.midwayflooring.co.nz
675 Whangaparaoa Road | 09 424 3790
THE FISHING SPOT WITH TIM
This season has been a roller coaster of weather events, making fishing conditions a real challenge. Significant storms have rolled through over the last month, with big easterly swells pounding the coast followed by screaming westerlies topping 55 knots. It has often felt like every good weather window has been brief and hard earned.
As we roll into March, the days begin to shorten and the water temperature will slowly start to cool. This is my favourite time of year to fish and, traditionally, we see more settled conditions. I love an evening session at this time of year –big baits drifting back through a steady burley trail as the sun sets. There is something special about that last hour of light when everything seems to come alive.
I have been spending time in deeper water this month, searching for work-ups and solid sign on the sounder. It has been tougher than usual. The work-ups have been short lived, with birds moving quickly and little consistency from drift to drift. Drifting near diving gannets has produced patchy results, and my last trip required most of the day to secure a limit of quality snapper. It was a lot of searching, plenty of miles covered and, unfortunately, plenty of fuel burned.
Talking to other fishos around Whangaparāoa Bay, many have found this summer challenging. To avoid the smaller fish, I have been fishing bigger, tougher baits to give the better snapper time to move in. Fresh kahawai cut into long strip baits has been particularly effective and well worth the effort.
Next month brings a different adventure altogether. In April I am heading to Fiordland for a six-night charter aboard the MV Legacy, departing from Deep Cove in Doubtful Sound. It is a true bucket-list mission with fishing, diving and hunting all on the agenda. We fly into Queenstown, travel through Manapōuri and cross Wilmot Pass before reaching the fiord. Over six days we are hoping for tuna, hāpuku, blue cod, crayfish and maybe even some venison.
Until then — tight lines!
Tim Lawrence
Stepping forward with intention
Why Julie Anne and Roger chose The Botanic for their next chapter
When Julie Anne and Roger made the decision to leave their five-bedroom home in Manly, it wasn’t because life had slowed down. In fact, quite the opposite. Deeply involved in their local community — even organising the much-loved Halloween celebrations at The Circle each year — they simply knew they didn’t want to leave their next move too late.
‘We weren’t winding back,’ they say. ‘We just wanted to step confidently into the next chapter, with intention.’
That chapter began at The Botanic Hibiscus Coast — and for them, it has been the best decision they’ve made.
What drew them in first was the feeling. Brand-new, architecturally stunning homes surrounded by beautifully designed landscaping reminded them of the palm-lined driveway they had loved in Manly. But beyond the aesthetics, there was something more powerful: a welcoming, forward-thinking energy that immediately resonated.
‘It didn’t feel like a traditional retirement village,’ they explain. ‘It felt like a lifestyle village.’
For Roger, who had spent decades working without time for social lunches or daytime activities, the change has been transformative. He now attends men’s lunches regularly — even driving the village van — and has established a lively 500 card club for Botanic residents. ‘I finally have time to enjoy these things,’ he says. ‘And I’m loving it.’ A former electrician, Roger has even found his niche helping set up the lighting for monthly
social events in the village.
Julie Anne has thrown herself into village life with equal enthusiasm. Instructing two weekly Dance Fitness classes, she has also helped to organise Strength, Balance and Agility classes, along with Aquacise sessions in The Botanic’s 20m indoor heated pool. She’s even co-ordinated a Christmas market for the village, creating a fun event where friends, family and the local community are welcomed along to mix and mingle.
‘Being part of a new village has given us the opportunity to help shape things and bring
in activities we’d like to see on the village calendar’, says Julie Anne. ‘We can put our own stamp on things here.’
For Julie Anne and Roger, The Botanic offers simplicity without compromise, security without restriction, and a lifestyle that feels vibrant and connected. They haven’t slowed down — they’ve simply found the perfect place to keep moving forward.
www.thebotanic.co.nz
Julie Anne loves taking dance classes at The Botanic twice a week.
Roger & Julie Anne love the view from their Rimu Apartment balcony over the gardens and green spaces at The Botanic.
Silverdale Pioneer Village
Easter is always lots of fun at Silverdale Pioneer village. Please come along and join in.
Easter Bunny Hunt at the village
Saturday, 4 and Sunday, 5 April 2026, 10am to 3pm
Find the bunnies hiding in our houses at 15 Wainui Road, Silverdale. Enjoy hot cross buns with your cup of tea in the Parsonage.
Open every weekend
The Pioneer Village is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Come for a day and take a step back in time. Entry is by donation. Group bookings are also welcome on weekdays.
Delights on offer at the Treats & Treasures Craft Shop include:
• unique handcrafted gifts, both new and upcycled using vintage material
• beautiful hand-crafted gifts for Christmas
• toys, jams and preserves
Purchases can be made by cash or bank transfer only – we are in the pre-EFTPOS era.
(09) 426 8272 | 15 Wainui Road, Silverdale
Top-down management or bottom-up leading in business?
What type of environment would you like to work in? There are advantages and disadvantages to bottom-up and top-down businesses.
Top-down vs bottom-up
Top-down business models involve senior management setting big picture objectives and strategies that are then cascaded down through the organisation for execution, emphasizing efficiency and control. In contrast, bottom-up models incorporate input and ideas from employees at all levels to drive strategy and decision-making, fostering innovation, engagement and greater buy-in.
The key characteristics of the top-down model are:
• centralized decision-making
• efficiency and control with clear direction and minimised risks
• clear structure and hierarchy
The benefits of this model are that it is faster with minimised risk, there tends to be increased organisational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and clear, unified strategy and respected authority.
The drawbacks are that it can lead to less employee involvement and potentially missed insights from frontline staff. It can also result in a lack of buy-in and potential resistance from employees who feel their input is ignored.
The key characteristics of the bottom-up model are:
• decentralized, collaborative decision-making
• innovation and engagement, leveraging the insights and creativity of employees
• flexibility, with quicker identification and correction of problems at the component level
The benefits of this model include that it can boost employee motivation, engagement and commitment, it fosters greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the organisation and leads to more informed and creative solutions by incorporating frontline perspectives.
Some drawbacks are that decision-making can be slower due to the need for consensus, it may lead to conflicts of interest or disagreements across levels of the business and it can sometimes make it difficult to integrate components into a cohesive, unified whole.
Choosing the right model
Many businesses find success in a hybrid model, integrating high-level strategic direction with the valuable insights and flexibility of frontline employees. This can entail senior management communicating the ‘why’ of decisions for buy in while encouraging innovation and suggestions. Mistakes can be used as a training tool rather than justifying punishment and team members can be encouraged to task for training if they fell the need and encouraged to share the real issues with day-to-day operations – good and bad.
Chris Norris | AllBrand
Cert.
MKTG | MCC | Cert. Typography
Former Chairman of Business Whangaparaoa and Board Member for Silverdale Business. Mentor with the Business Mentors Programme at MBIE. Now running a locally focussed branding business. Allbrand.co.nz –Revealing the true USP in businesses. Chris@allbrand.co.nz
Excerpt from a session between members of the Independent Board facilitated by Steve Myatt.
What travel documents do you need to go overseas?
Before you book a trip overseas, make sure you have the right passport and visa. Entry rules depend on the passport you’re travelling on, the country you’re visiting, your citizenship status and any criminal convictions you may have.
Always check entry requirements directly with the embassy, consulate or official immigration website of the country you’re visiting. Without the correct visa or travel authorisation, you may be refused entry.
Important update for dual NZ/UK or Irish citizens
From 25 February 2026, new rules apply to New Zealanders who also hold UK or Irish citizenship. If you’re a dual citizen, you must enter the UK using a valid UK passport, a valid Irish passport or a valid passport with a certificate of entitlement. You’ll no longer be able to enter the UK on a New Zealand passport alone.
These rules also apply to adults and children with automatic UK or Irish citizenship by birth or descent and people who’ve never previously held a UK or Irish passport. If you think this applies to you, check your citizenship status before travelling.
Travelling on a New Zealand passport
Here are some relevant details for those travelling on a New Zealand passport.
United Kingdom: You must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. It is a digital, mandatory requirement for visa-exempt travellers, linking an electronic permission to your passport. (Separate rules apply to dual citizens — see above.)
Canada: An Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is required, with no visa required for tourists.
Australia: New Zealand citizens can visit without applying for a visa in advance
European Union (EU): There is visa-free travel for up to 90 days but ETIAS travel authorisation may be required.
Other countries: Check directly with the relevant embassy or consulate.
Applying for a UK passport by descent (from New Zealand)
If you have a British parent, you may be eligible for UK citizenship by descent and can apply for a British passport. You are
usually eligible if one of your parents was born in the UK or they were a British citizen other than by descent. Check your eligibility before applying and apply well before travel as processing times vary considerably (if you are a dual citizen and need to travel urgently but don’t yet have a UK passport, you may be able to apply for an emergency travel document).
To apply for a UK passport you will need to:
• gather your documents – typically your and your parent’s full birth certificate, your parent’s British passport, proof of any change of names, your current passport and some passport photos
• complete the application online via the official UK government website
• provide identity referees
• submit biometrics if required through a passport appointment centre
Remember to always check if a visa is required for travel to your destination and if it is, apply early, especially during peak travel season.
Need more tips? Contact CAB for free, confidential info and advice on freephone 0800 367 222, or online at cab.org.nz.
BUCKET LIST TRAVEL
Our Christmas escape to Tasmania
Over the Christmas holidays, my husband and I took a little getaway to Tasmania — with a quick stop in Sydney first. We spent a couple of nights in Darling Harbour, which I thought was a wonderfully convenient spot. It’s right near the harbour, the main shopping and dining areas, and only about 2km from The Rocks and the Opera House. Being in the heart of the city was great, but wow, it’s busy — and definitely on the pricey side.
From Sydney, we flew to Launceston, picked up a car and spent three nights exploring the area. We visited a lavender farm, which was beautiful, but busy over the holidays. The queues to get in and to grab a coffee in the café were long, so I recommend avoiding the Christmas-New Year period if possible.
Cataract Gorge was a real highlight. There are so many walking paths there, and if you’re reasonably fit, it’s brilliant to explore on foot. The peacocks were a highlight. For
those who’d rather take it easy, you can drive there and enjoy a cable car ride over the gorge instead. We also did a leisurely cruise down the Tamar River, where we learned that Tasmania has just 500,000 people — which feels tiny compared to the island’s size (it’s about the same as Sri Lanka, which has 23 million!).
Launceston is very green, relaxed and perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. There are wineries, national parks, pretty scenery and charming architecture, all at a much slower pace than the big cities. I believe there is quite a famous golf course there as well.
After Launceston we drove down to Hobart for two nights. The drive was easy and took us just under three hours. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race had just finished, so the city was buzzing. Hobart is Australia’s second-oldest capital, and it’s full of character.
We loved wandering Battery Point and Salamanca Place, with their sandstone buildings and quaint cottages. And if you’re there on a Saturday morning, the Salamanca Market is a must — great local crafts, food and live music.
The food scene in Hobart is good and less expensive than Sydney. We even drove up Mount Wellington for the views — but it was freezing (–1°C), so we didn’t stay long. One thing I’d definitely say: pack a good jacket. Tasmania is much cooler than Sydney – we heard it snowed on Christmas Day.
Tasmania is relaxed, green, and friendly — the perfect place for a slower-paced holiday. Just don’t forget that jacket!
Susan De Alwis | Bucket List Travel
ART SPEAK
Pressing matters
A month devoted to the art of printmaking
March at Estuary Arts is all about printmaking – a time to slow down, look closely and rediscover an art form grounded in patience, precision and process. This year, Pressing Matters transforms the gallery into a dynamic exhibition and education programme devoted to the craft of printmaking, running 4–29 March, with an opening event on Saturday, 7 March, from 3pm to 5pm.
In an era where digital technologies often overshadow traditional methods, the timeless art of printmaking has struggled to retain its revered status. Pressing Matters responds to this challenge by illuminating the intricate craftsmanship and intrinsic value of original prints through an immersive, hands-on experience.
Reclaiming the craft
From traditional techniques such as etching and woodblock printing to contemporary interpretations pushing the boundaries of the medium, the exhibition reveals the remarkable breadth of printmaking today. Visitors will encounter the layered processes behind each style of work, gaining a deeper understanding of the skill, time and specialised equipment required to produce high-quality prints.
More than 200 artworks by contemporary New Zealand printmakers will be on display, alongside works by pioneering figures including Stanley Palmer and Betty Beadle, whose contributions helped shape the country’s printmaking legacy.
Bridging perception and practice
The core objective of Pressing Matters is to bridge the gap between public perception and the authentic complexity of printmaking. Too often mistaken for simple reproduction, printmaking demands technical mastery and artistic vision.
Through live demonstrations visitors can watch artists at work, ask questions and witness the transformation from plate or block to finished print, to appreciate the labour-intensive processes and creative decision-making behind every edition.
A programme of one-off workshops also offers opportunities for participants to try their hand at printmaking, demystifying the medium while celebrating its tactile, handson nature.
Why printmaking matters now
In a fast-paced digital world, printmaking offers a counterpoint: a practice rooted in touch, repetition and materiality. It asks both artist and viewer to slow down, to notice detail, and to value process as much as outcome. By foregrounding these qualities, Pressing Matters seeks to reinvigorate appreciation for printmaking and reaffirm its place within contemporary art practice.
The latest twisty, mind-bending novel from million-copy bestselling author Alice Feeney has already been optioned by Hollywood, and it’s easy to see why.
Eden Fox and her husband have recently moved to the small village of Hope Falls, and Eden has enjoyed renovating Spyglass, the home they have purchased. Eden is an artist and about to have her first exhibition. That morning, she goes for her usual run, but when she returns home, her key won’t fit the lock. A woman who looks like her answers the door. Her husband appears, insisting this stranger is his wife, and the day gets even more distressing when she can’t convince anyone that she is the real Eden Fox.
Meanwhile, six months earlier, Birdy received a devastating diagnosis, and she visited Hope Falls after inheriting the Spyglass house from her grandmother. Birdy returns a second time after a secret London clinic claims to be able to predict the day she will die, determined to right a wrong. This is an exceptional psychological thriller.
Pan Macmillan, RRP $38
Being a Distant Grandchild
by Helen Ellis
It is common for families to be spread across countries and continents, and Helen Ellis has written three insightful books about how this affects people. In her latest book, she captures the voices of young people through touching, authentic stories. This warm, well-written series of books will resonate with anyone with family living overseas, offering insight and understanding.
In Being a Distance Grandchild, this invaluable book shines a light on how families can build a special bond with their young people living in a different country, even when they are separated by distance and sometimes very different time zones. It’s a complex situation to keep bonds alive when families live so far apart, but this book offers many perspectives from people in this very situation who are successfully navigating the many challenges with hope and love in their hearts.
Through these personal stories and with many practical tips, this book is an invaluable resource for families.
Orewa Presbyterian Church 10am-12pm. Friendship Club for seniors. Morning tea, guest speakers & outings. Colleen 021 112 3409
Hibiscus Coast Country Music Club
1st Sun each month
Orewa Community Centre 1-4pm $5.00. Everyone welcome. Janet 0212367094
Housie
Every Friday 12.30pm ($1000 jackpot) at Bowls Orewa, 214 Hibiscus Highway Ph 09 426 5937
Millwater parkrun
Every Sat 8am
See www.parkrun.co.nz/ millwater for more details
HBC Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren
Monthly 1st Wed, Support Group. Maygrove Retirement Village. 10:30-1:30 free lunch. Weekly for Coffee Group each Wed 10:30 (various locations). Donna 021 024 30064.
HBC Senior Citizens Assn. Inc. Meet Tues for Indoor bowls & cards @ Orewa Community Hall. 12-4pm. Membership $5/yr. $2 entry includes afternoon tea. Edna Tibble 0272975554
Silverdale Ballroom Studio
Every Thurs Silverdale Hall 7pm. Adult & Improvers classes for beginners & social dancers. 021 031 4216
Pioneer Dance Club
Every Thurs @ Silverdale Hall 1.30-3.30pm. Social Ballroom Dance for seniors. 021 031 4216
Line Dance Classes beginners class Weds 10am-midday @ Silverdale Hall. Great way to exercise to music & make friends. Sue 021 99 1717
Travel Club with Bucket List Travel. 2nd Tues of every month (Feb-Nov) 9:45am–11am Red Beach SurfLifesaving Club. Michelle 094261490
Hibiscus Coast Friendship Club
4th Wed of the month at 10am Bridge Club rooms, Edith Hopper Park, Manly. Speakers/outings/luncheons together. Peter or Jeanne 09 4268675
Rotary Club of OrewaMillwater 1st & 3rd Tues of every month 7pm at The Wade Tavern. 2 Tavern Rd Silverdale. orc.secretary@outlook.com
Ladies Crafts Group
Every school term Tues Orewa Community Church 235 HBC H’way. 10am-12pm. $2 for morning tea & craft creche provided.
Silverdale Village Market
Hibiscus Coast MidWeek Badminton Club
Every Weds 9am-noon All welcome . Orewa Badminton Hall, Victor Eaves Park. 021 0870 8118
Arts Group
Every school term Friday Orewa Community Church 235 HBC H’way. 9am-1pm $2 incl. morning tea Alan 021 039 7155
Every Sat 8am -1pm Silverdale St Silverdale FREE Family history
Mon/Wed/Thur & Sat 10-noon at W'poa Library. By Volunteers from HBC Genealogy Group. Garry on 021 902715 or garryphillips2010@gmail.com
Kiwi Club 4th Sun of each month. Social Dance 5-8pm, all welcome. Silverdale Hall.
Hibiscus Petanque Club
Every Tues/Weds 9am-12 & Sun 1pm @ 214 HBC Highway. New players welcome, free coaching. John 0274894955
10 pin Bowling for Seniors W’poa Bowling Centre, Arkles Bay. Looking for senior players to join club for league games. Mon & Fri 10am. Lots of fun and advice. Brett 0210530905
Hibiscus Coast Quilters 1st Tues of the month at 9.30am & 3rd Weds at 7.30pm. W’poa Community Hall. Beginners, experienced quilters & visitors welcome. hbcquilters@gmail.com
Hibiscus Coast Literary Club 2nd Sat of the month @ 1pm W’poa Library Workshops. By authors. Writing competitions. Friendly atmosphere. Everyone welcome. Lorraine 021 02680132
Hibiscus Coast Genealogy Club 3rd Tuesday of each month at St Chads Church, 117 Centreway Road, Orewa 2-4pm. Guest speaker. Afternoon tea and fellowship follows. Members free, visitors welcome, $5.
Heartbeats Cardiac Survivors Support Group
1st Tues of every month 10am @ HBC Community House. Open to all heart event survivors & their families.
Trent Lash 0220 606 199
Orewa Lions Club 1st & 3rd Weds 6.30pm (7pm start) @ St Chads Hall 117 Centreway Road, Orewa. Wendy 021 841 125, orewalionsclub@ gmail.com
Silverdale Naval Club meets the 3rd Sun of each month at HBC Community RSA at 15.00. Vince Sturmey 09 4285222
Dairy Flat Music Club
Weekly dances/events with live music held at The Dairy Flat Hall, Postman’s Rd. Visit www.dairyflatlive.com for more info.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL
Fashion / Art / Gifts Homewares
Estuary Arts 09 426 5570
Food, Entertainment, Sport & Recreation
Clara Cafe 021 210 4475
Fishing Direct 09 426 0574
Kiyeck Elite Coaching kiyeckelitecoaching.com
Ocean View Retreat stayorewa.co.nz
Health & Well-Being, Fitness & Beauty
Kate Allen Aesthetics 09 421 0910
MOVE Women’s Gym 021 193 5590
Home, Garden & Design
Midway Flooring
09 424 3790
Shades Direct 0800 742 337
Shore Designs 021 201 4081
The Kitchen People kitchenpeople.co.nz
Housing
Sicato Residential 027 485 7676
Insurance / Finance Business Services
Allbrand 021 743 762
Finselect 021 222 7897
KD Design sarah@kddesign.co.nz
MTF Silverdale mtf.co.nz/silverdale
Non Bank Loans 0800 232 848
UProtectNZ Insurance Services 027 248 9320
Wayne Henry Mortgages 0800WHENRY
Legal
Heathcote Legal 09 475 5916
Martin & Parker Law 09 421 0559
Local Government, Council & Community
Forrest Funeral Services 09 426 7950
Harbour Hospice 021 226 2741
HBC Community House 09 426 3598
Mark Mitchell 09 426 6215
Silverdale Business 021 595 048
Medical / Dental Optometrist
Lumino Como St 09 361 7156
Orewa Optics 09 426 6646
Waitemata Endoscopy 09 925 4449
Motoring / Boating Transport
Rodney Auto Centre 09 426 5016
Silverdale Car Services 09 421 1413
Simon Lucas Mitsubishi www.simonlucas.co.nz
Printing
Treehouse Print ryan@treehouseprint.co.nz
Real Estate
Bobby Sundarajan at Barfoot & Thompson 021 051 2769
Lane Sanger at Raine & Horne Orewa 021 215 9718
Rita Oliver at Barfoot & Thompson 021 116 6377
Stephen Reed at Barfoot & Thompson 022 037 4919
Retirement Living Kensington Park 0800 725 775
The Botanic 0508 268 264
AND FEATURE HERE FOR
advertising@thecoastiesmag.co.nz
LOCAL RECIPES
Choux pastry chocolate eclairs
Filled with pastry cream
Ingredients
Choux pastry
240ml water
115g unsalted butter small diced, room temperature
135g all-purpose flour
220g eggs
½ tsp sea salt
1 tsp castor sugar
Method
Place salt, water, sugar and butter in a heavy bottomed pot on a medium heat and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and add
the flour in one go. Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon for around 45 seconds until it becomes a dough. Place back on the heat and cook for 1-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the dough pulls away from the sides and there is a film on the bottom of the pot.
Remove from the heat and cool to at least 70°C. Pre-whisk the eggs and add in 4-5 lots, stirring vigorously each time to beat the dough. The dough should be glossy, thick and hold its shape.
Preheat oven to 190°C on fan bake. Place the dough in a piping bag with a star or non-star piping nozzle, pipe the dough in a smooth motion into eclairs ( 8-10cm) on a heavy gauge, flat tray with no sides on greased baking paper. Bake on the middle shelf for 35-45 minutes. Don’t open the door until fully formed, at least 25 minutes. Then make a small hole on the side to allow steam to evaporate and bake for around 10 more minutes. They should be crisp on the outside. Cool on a rack.
Ingredients
Pastry cream
480ml whole milk
75g castor sugar
30g corn flour
15ml vanilla Paste or 1tsp extract or 1 vanilla pod
4 egg yolks (#7)
45g unsalted butter, softened
Method
Pastry cream
Place the milk and vanilla into a heavy bottomed pot, bring to the boil on a medium heat.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs yolks, sugar and corn flour until smooth and thick. Slowly and continuously whisk in hot milk, don’t allow egg to scramble. Add back to the pot, place back on the stove on a lower heat and whisk continuously until the boil is reached. Continue cooking and stirring for around 2 minutes to cook out the flour. The pastry cream mustn’t catch on the bottom of the pot. Place in a bowl and glad wrap on the surface until cool.
To finish: Fill eclairs with the cooled pastry cream by placing a hole in the bottom and using a pastry bag and a small nozzle to pipe it in. Dip the top into melted chocolate (your choice) and allow the chocolate to set. Best served straight away. Alternatively, fill with sweetened whipped cream.
Mark Lane | Culinary Lane
www.culinarylane.co.nz
Choux pastry
Rice and quinoa crackers with pumpkin hummus
Ingredients
Rice crackers
1 cup of cooked brown or white rice
¼ cup flaxseeds
½ cup cooked quinoa (any colour is fine)
¼ cup sesame seeds
¼ hemp seeds
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp tamari (or soya sauce)
¼ tsp salt
Hummus
1 cup pumpkin puree (can also use kumara)
400g tin chickpeas
2 garlic cloves, minced juice of 1 lemon
2 Tbsp tahini
½ tsp salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp curry powder (optional)
sprinkle smoked paprika (to serve) a handful of roasted hazelnuts (to serve)
Method
Preheat oven to 180°C and line a tray with baking paper.
Place flaxseeds in a small bowl and pour in enough water to just cover the seeds. Put aside for 20 minutes.
In a food processor, combine cooked quinoa, cooked rice, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, salt, tamari and oil. Add the soaked flaxseeds (which should have formed a gel) and blend until mixture forms a ball. The mixture should be very sticky. Add a tablespoon of water if needed.
Place half the mixture on a sheet of baking paper and then place a further sheet over top, so you can roll the dough flat with a rolling pin. Roll the mixture out until it is 2mm thick, then score with a knife to create crackers of your desired size. Repeat with other half of the mixture.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden (be careful not to burn the edges). Allow to crackers to cool completely before breaking along the score lines.
While crackers are cooking, prepare the hummus. Place all ingredients in a food processor or use a stick blender to process until silky smooth. Transfer hummus to a serving bowl and top with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and roasted hazelnuts.
Recipe by Petrice Bullas on www.nourishedandvibrant.co.nz
WHAT'S ON AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Special events
Ōrewa
Floral art workshop: Tuesday, 10 March at 10.30am. How to make a simple floral arrangement to promote Community harmony and mental health with facilitator Hong Xue.
Hibiscus Coast Neighbourhood Support and Ōrewa Police: Tuesday, 17 March at 10am. Constable Sam Webb will talk about safety in the home, vehicle safety and online safety.
Nutrition for joint health: Friday, 20 March at 10am. Learn about eating to help joint health, with Teresa Couper.
Regular programmes
Monthly & fortnightly
Board games for adults: Sundays 1, 15 & 29 March at 12.30pm
Step in, step up, stand out: Tuesday, 3 March at 11.30am
Book Chat: Wednesday, 4 March at 10.30am
Sensory Storytime for all ages: Wednesday, 11 March at 1.30pm
Orewa Orators: Fridays, 13 & 27 March at 12pm
Seed Savers: Wednesday, 18 March at 10.30am
Orewa Writers and Poets: Saturday, 21 March, at 1pm
HBC Embroiders Guild: Sunday, 29 March at 1pm
Weekly adult programmes
ESOL Classes with Lynn: Mondays at 1pm (Moana room)
Craft group: Wednesdays at 9.30am (Rewarewa room)
BrainCharge: Wednesdays at 11am (meeting room)
Digital seniors: Thursdays at 10am (meeting room)
Gentle yoga with Sarah Pearce: Thursdays at 2pm (meeting room)
PTE IELTS with Lynn: Saturdays at 9.30am (Moana room)
Weekly children’s programmes (in the children’s area)
Term time only, 30-minute sessions
Rhymetime: Tuesdays at 11am (for 18 months to 3-year-olds)
Wriggle & Rhyme: Wednesdays at 11am (for 0 to 2-year-olds)
Storytime: Thursdays at 11am (for 2 to 5-year-olds)
Special events
Whangaparāoa
Winter Gardening Starts Now: Thursday, 5 March at 11am.
Plan now for a successful winter garden with Dee Pignéguy.
Tea Around the World: Sunday, 22 March at 10am.
Join a World of Cultures tea tasting event to travel the world – one cup at a time.
Buena Vista Social Club film screening: Sunday, 22 March at 1pm.
A World of Cultures Beamafilm matinée.
Sleep hygiene: Monday, 23 March at 11am.
Join Manly pharmacists, Tania Adams and Danni Yu, to learn how to get a good night’s sleep.
South African Indian food – A story of adaption and tradition: Sunday, 29 March at 11am.
An exploration of South African Indian food and its history, with Simoné Naidoo.
Games around the world: Sunday, 29 March at 1pm.
Join in a World of Cultures session of festive games.
Regular programmes
Adult’s programmes
BrainCharge: Fridays, 2pm to 3pm
Chinese beginner’s English: First and third Fridays at 10am
Brightside spinners: Fridays 9.30am to 2pm
The Reading Revolution: Wednesdays, 2pm to 3pm
Digital Seniors (65+): Wednesdays, from 10am to 12pm
Low Sensory Quiet Hour: Wednesdays, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
CAB Chat: Wednesdays, 10am to 12pm
Children’s programmes (term time only)
Rythym & Beats: Mondays, 10.30am to 11am (3 to 5 years)
Minecraft Club: Wednesdays, 3.30pm to 4.30pm (all ages)
Wriggle & Rhyme: Thursdays, 10.30am to 11am (0 to 2 years)
Te Reo Story Time: Fridays, 10.30am to 11am
Code Club: Fridays, at 5pm. Learn how to make computer games (8 to 13 years)
Beginner’s Mandarin: Saturdays, 1.30pm to 2pm (6 years+)
Advanced Mandarin: Sundays, 10am to 10.45am (6 years+)
Story time: Saturdays, at 10.30am and 11am (bilingual)
For further events held by community groups please consult the library’s Facebook page. Holiday programme not available at time of print.
CONTACT US
The Hibiscus Coast’s premier, luxury, resort-style retirement village
LIMITED HOMES AVAILABLE NOW
Only a handful of existing villas and apartments remain available at The Botanic. Don’t delay, come for a look around sooner rather than later to secure your retirement in a community a little different from the rest. While future stages are planned, only a small number of completed two and threebedroom homes are currently available for purchase.
The Botanic Hibiscus Coast 17 Small Road, Silverdale
CONTACT MICHELLE AND KATHRYN
We’d love to show you around The Botanic’s available properties and awardwinning amenities. Get in touch to arrange a time for a personal one-on-one tour!
